April, 2007

MILANO SALONE closed on Monday, April 23. We had good, warm weather of 25 to 28° this year, which boosted our festival mood and spread it throughout the whole town.
I was impressed again by the experience in the "Salone." Since so much attention has been paid lately to design, I felt its essential nature anew and cannot help but consider what the future will bring.
This year’s theme was general furniture and light fixtures. I presented two pieces of furniture and one light. During the past week, design presentations and parties were being held everywhere, at all hours, from morning till midnight; but in my case, I could only achieve about a 2% attendance rate. Our office was almost empty during that period.
Many people came from Japan. The "Japan Mission," dispatched by the government to review the exhibition and interview me, focused on the design in "New Economic Growth Strategy." Mr. Amano announced the report from the government emissaries, including the interview, after the May holidays.

October, 2006

We went to Unazuki, Toyama the end of September. When I was little, I visited there once or twice. We felt great for the hot spring and a glorious view of Kurobe river and surrounding mountains although leaves haven't turned red and gold yet.
On the way we found the notice that says monkeys sometimes show up, but please don't throw stones to them. " It sounds funny, but I also feel sorry there are such people throwing stones to monkeys. Recently in Italy, one of wild bears but have own names, have been decreased, went on a travel to Germany via Switzerland and Austria crossing borders. A German shot it under the official permission because it took his chicken. Italian newspapers and television spotlighted the case and then struck a deep response. Animals shouldn't be treated carelessly.

July, 2006

The avarage temperature for this year has been the hottest in 400 years. I am not sure whether the statement is true, based on a 400-year report, but it is surely hot. I was invited to the University of Naples (Napoli) on Friday and Saturday, but it was much hotter and more humid. I tried to look around unkown places after my lecture and got sweaty. The delicious "Shakerato" saved my life! It was cold and thick, and is found only in Naples. I strongly recommend it!

April, 2006

My kitchen on the first floor is finally complete. I tried to arrange the good kitchen appliances so that some close friends or office staff members of mine could come over here and feel at home. It took a long time for the kitchen appliances to arrive, which was different from Japan. I held the party on Saturday evening, April 4th, for the first time, as many Japanese people were visiting Milano Salone and Mr. Kiriyama requested to have a party. I hope someone cooks supper for us him/herself with this kitchen. I bought fish in the morning, and Ms. Keiko Suzuki and Ms. Haruka Yazaki cooked them. They were good cooks, so we enjoyed both Japanese and Italian dinner.